British Columbia’s Ministry of Forests has signed a memorandum of understanding with China to collaborate on modern wood construction. This initiative aims to support the provincial lumber industry by diversifying markets beyond the United States. The five-year agreement, involving the Chinese government and Canada’s Department of Natural Resources, was established during Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to China.
The partnership includes China’s housing and development ministry, focusing on integrating modern wood construction into urban renewal and rural revitalization strategies. The agreement explores innovative approaches for sustainable green developments. According to Juliet Lu, a political ecologist and China expert at the University of British Columbia, this MOU represents a significant opportunity for British Columbia to expand its processed lumber exports to China.
The memorandum emphasizes the development of an industrial chain for wood construction, promoting collaborative research on modern wood construction projects such as tall wood buildings and mass timber structures. Lu highlighted the shift in Chinese construction practices towards wood-based solutions, enabled by advancements in engineered wood technologies. She noted that previous agreements between British Columbia and China had set the foundation for larger wood buildings in key Chinese cities.
The move towards value-added products like engineered wood and mass timber is expected to benefit the provincial economy. Minister Ravi Parmar of the B.C. Forests Ministry stated that diversifying markets is crucial following the impact of U.S. tariffs on the forestry sector. The ministry is actively seeking new partnerships and opportunities, as demonstrated by trade missions to Japan, South Korea, and India.
The forestry industry in British Columbia has faced challenges due to global economic uncertainties and trade disputes, leading to the closure of a Vancouver Island pulp mill. Prime Minister Carney’s visit to China has also resulted in agreements covering energy and food safety. Canada’s Energy and Natural Resources Minister Tim Hodgson highlighted China as the country’s third-largest export market for wood products.
Overall, the memorandum with China signals a positive step towards strengthening trade relations and expanding market opportunities for British Columbia’s lumber industry.
